Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 46

Present help. The complete phrase reads literally, “a help in distresses has He been found exceedingly.” Since God has always proved His help, He may be depended on in dire straits. Verses 1–3 constitute the first stanza, which portrays the security of God’s people even when the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Therefore. That is, in view of what David has said in v. 1. The convulsions of nature, the earthquake that throws the mountains into the sea, the roaring of the waves, the cataclysm of the tidal wave—these phenomena as well as any commotions and revolutions in the political world need not shake the one who trusts in God. Whatever may happen, God is a proved refuge.

Selah. The word here marks the close of the first stanza. On the possible meaning of Selah see p. 629.

A river. A beautiful figure of God’s protection. It represents a state of calm security in sharp contrast with the wild ocean of v. 3. The second stanza (vs. 4–7) depicts the peace of the city of God, while all that is outside her walls is in a state of uproar. Streams. Probably picturing canals leading from the river to water gardens and dwellings. God’s protection is dispensed freely through innumerable channels. A city well supplied with water is the picture the prophets presented of the Jerusalem that might have been (Eze. 47:1–5; Joel 3:18; Zech. 14:8). The New Jerusalem will have its stream of living water (Rev. 22:1). The city of God. Jerusalem, where God was represented as having His place of abode (see Ps. 48:1). Tabernacles. In David’s day the ark, the symbol of God’s presence, was housed in a temporary dwelling (2 Chron. 1:3, 4).

In the midst. God, as a help and protector, is represented as being in the midst of the city (see Isa. 12:6). Shall not be moved. See Ps. 15:5; 16:8. Right early. Literally, “at the turning of the morning,” that is, at dawn, when the morning makes its appearance (see Ex. 14:24; Lam. 3:22, 23).

The heathen. Or, “the nations.” The earth melted. Forceful language, figuratively showing God’s absolute power. The succession of short sentences, without conjunctions (the rhetorical figure of asyndeton), lends force to the vivid description.

The Lord of hosts. See on Ps. 24:10. Verse 7 is the refrain to the second stanza (see v. 11). The refrain sounds the keynote of the psalm. Is with us. Compare Ps. 23:4. Refuge. Or, “a secure height,” “a retreat.” The verb from which the Hebrew noun is derived is used in Ps. 20:1: “the name of the God of Jacob defend thee [set thee on an high place].” Selah. See v. 3. Comforted by this verse, John Wesley courageously met the approach of death. He quoted it the night before his decease, and was heard repeating its promise all through the night hours. Our strength lies not in self, nor in alliance with worldly power, but in God. Calvin said: “That the faithful might learn that, without any aid from the world, the grace of God alone was sufficient for them. … Therefore, though the help of God may but trickle to us in slender streams, we should enjoy a deeper tranquillity than if all the power of the world were heaped up all at once for our help.”

Come, behold. The third stanza (vs. 8–11) portrays God’s power manifested in His domination over the mighty movements of nations, and the sublimity of His serene exaltation above them.

Maketh wars to cease. The Hebrew form denotes continued action. Chariot. Heb. ‘agaloth, not the usual word for war chariots. It signifies rather “wagons,” “transport wagons” (see Gen. 45:19; 46:5; 1 Sam. 6:7). The verse presents a picture of a battlefield strewn with broken weapons and burned vehicles. The victory is complete.

Be still. Literally, “let be,” “desist,” “give up.” God Himself speaks these sublime words. The first clause of this verse has been paraphrased: “Hush! Cease your tumult and

realize that I am God.” We talk too much and listen too little. We lack Christian poise and steadiness, because of our ceaseless busyness. Moses spent 40 years in the land of Midian (Acts 7:29, 30), Paul 3 years in the desert (Gal. 1:17, 18; AA 125–128), and Jesus 40 days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1, 2), in preparation for the responsibilities of the divine call. Know. Men become acquainted with God by observing the acts of God. I will be exalted. The theme of Ps. 47.

The Lord of hosts. Verse 11 is the refrain to the third stanza (see on v. 7). Selah. See on v. 3. Ps. 46 will bring special comfort to the people of God in the time of trouble (see GC 639). In that fearful hour, when a mighty earthquake such as never was will convulse the earth; when the sun, moon, and stars will be shaken out of their courses; when the mountains will shake like a reed, and ragged rocks be scattered on every side; when the sea will be lashed into fury and the whole surface of the earth be broken up; when mountain chains will sink and islands disappear (Matt. 24:29, 30; Luke 21:25, 26; GC 637; EW 34, 41), the saints will find protection in God.